Body shapes! Ever struggle to understand and know how to dress for your body shape? Sometimes, looking at all those racks of clothes in a department store, it's easy to get caught up in pretty colours and striking patterns. You can get excited about a piece of clothing because of its appearance, but when you try it on you might find that it doesn't fit right or look as good as you'd imagined. Then disappointment sinks in and you think, “Why can’t I find the right clothes to fit me?”
There are so many different types of clothing out there - tailored pants, embellished blazers, shapeless t-shirts, boyfriend jeans, flared dresses - the list is endless. Not every piece of clothing is going to suit every body type.The trick is to have a good understanding of your body shape to identify the right cuts and styles that will work best for you. It’s easy to focus on the “problem areas” but try to consider your whole body when identifying your body shape.
Remember, no matter what body type you are, the main priority is dressing to draw attention to your face. And most importantly, if you don't feel comfortable in what you're wearing, don't even bother taking it to the checkout counter!
5 Most Common Body Shapes
We’ve broken it down to the 5 most common body shapes:
- Rectangle figure
- Pear figure
- Apple figure
- Athletic or wedge figure
- Hourglass figure
1. Rectangle Body Shape
If your waist measurement is not that different to your bust or hip, you've got a rectangle or square body shape! This is where you want to define that waist and create an illusion that you've got a waist. How? Look for any waist-defining pieces such as a waist belt, a cinched jacket or colour blocking pieces that will break up the rectangle.
Have fun with your shape and add volume to your upper and lower body through wearing shoulder building details (e.g. a puff sleeve or oversized one-shoulder top) and a flared skirt or wide-leg jeans to accentuate the curves.
Styles To Try For Rectangle Figures
Shop our straight body shape collection here
2. Pear Body Shape
If you are pear-shaped, you have hips that are wider than your upper body – just like Beyoncé (my queen)! Stick to one colour palette to create a leaner, overall shape. If you want to divert the attention off of your hips, look for full skirt dresses that will help balance out your proportions.
Otherwise, try wearing a statement top or dress with an embellished neckline to draw attention to the upper part of your body. For pants, if you are going for a busy top go for bottoms that are fitted at your waistline and go for a darker shade, like navy or black for colour contrast.
Styles To Try For Pear Figures
Shop our pear body shape collection here
3. Apple Body Shape
Look for fabrics that don't cling but sit close to your body - soft cotton or silk fabrics will do this well. An A-line cut dress or an empire waistline can help minimise roundness and avoid cuts that mimic your shape e.g. scoop necklines. Focus on accentuating your legs with a pair of heels or a short skirt to show off your legs and avoid belts that draw attention to your waist.
Go for: A-line silhouettes, flowy tunics, relaxed boyfriend button-ups, asymmetric tops and wrap dresses!
For inspiration, you can follow Drew Barrymore, Kate Winslet and Catherine Zeta-Jones!
Styles To Try For Apple Figures
Shop our apple body shape collection here
4. Athletic or Wedge Body Shape
If you have an athletic or wedge shape, you'll find that your shoulder and hip measurements are nearly the same. The goal is to balance out your broad upper half and keep the volume on the top or bottom. Show off your well-defined décolletage and upper half with halter necks, off-the-shoulder, strapless and racerback styles! As for bottoms? The choice is yours! Elongate your legs with a mini-length skirt or go for fitted pants to balance your lower half and create the illusion of a waist. If you're comfortable, high leg split styles are also the way to go to show off your other curves!
Styles To Try For Athletic Figures
Shop our athletic body shape collection here
5. Hourglass Body Shape
An hourglass-shaped body is someone who has evenly proportioned shoulders and waistline with a thin midsection. If you have an hourglass body shape – embrace those curves! Avoid baggy clothing and ruffles that appear around your shoulders and bust. High waisted pants and pencil skirts are a great staple item for your wardrobe. Look at dresses that cling to your body and create a dynamic silhouette - the mermaid style dress is a perfect choice for the hourglass figure!
Read Also: Flattering Fashion Styling for Curvy Women
Styles To Try For Hourglass Figures
Shop our hourglass body shape collection here
GlamCorner has a vast variety of dresses to suit every body type! Check out our range or contact our in-house stylists for more information.
